Norwich City join Birmingham City, Wrexham in race for out-of-contract star
Norwich City are interested in signing out-of-contract Swansea City defender Harry Darling, according to EFL Analysis.
New Norwich City manager Liam Manning managed Darling at MK Dons up until 2022 before his move to the Championship with Swansea City. The new NCFC boss is now looking for a reunion with the centre-back as his time at the Welsh side seemingly nears an end.
The 25-year-old has consistently shown his quality throughout his time at the Swans, something that has prompted interest from a number of sides in the Championship, including promoted sides Birmingham City and Wrexham.
Swansea have confirmed that they have offered Darling a new deal. However, it is looking increasingly more likely that he will turn down this offer in pursuit of a new challenge elsewhere.
The defender made 39 appearances last season in the Championship, keeping 13 clean sheets in this time and also getting five goals as the Swans finished in 11th place. He has been a starter for the club during his three years there, something which will appeal to NCFC and other clubs interested in his services.
Darling’s time with Manning
Something that will attract Darling to a move to Norwich City is the chance to reunite with former boss Manning. They were both a part of an MK Dons side which finished 3rd in League One and lost in the play-off semi-finals to Wycombe Wanderers.
Manning would go on to manage Oxford United and then Bristol City, enjoying a successful time of things last season as they reached the Championship play-offs, only to lose to Sheffield United.
Darling featured 47 times under Manning before he secured his move to Swansea, and a reunion for the two now looks probable now that the latter has taken over at Norwich City, where the ambition is to return to the Premier League.
Norwich City’s summer plans
Following the departure of Johannes Hoff Thorup as NCFC boss in April, the club has been focused on their preparations for next season, with their first move being for new manager Manning.
They have also already completed the permanent signing of Jacob Wright, who impressed after spending last season on loan at the club. They are also in the final stages of completing a move for new goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw, who was relegated last season with Plymouth Argyle.
These incomings could also attract Darling towards a move to NCFC, as they look to compete towards the top end of the table next season.
Norwich City enter race for coveted Championship defender who’ll cost £0, Liam Manning reunion is on the cards
Norwich City are having a strong start to the summer transfer window under new manager Liam Manning, and EFL Analysis understands they’ve entered the race for Swansea City centre-back Harry Darling.
Ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign, Norwich City are looking to make themselves promotion contenders.
Norwich have already taken Liam Manning from Bristol City, becoming their new manager this week, while Jacob Wright has arrived permanently at Carrow Road from Manchester City.
With Daniel Grimshaw also closing in on a move to Norwich, it’s been a strong start to June for the Canaries. Now, they could also have an established centre-back to add to their squad.
Norwich City have entered the race for Swansea City’s Harry Darling
Swansea City defender Harry Darling is on the verge of becoming a Championship free agent, with his contract at the Liberty Stadium set to expire.
It was revealed in May that Wrexham and Birmingham City were battling for Darling. Now, more second-tier clubs have entered the picture for his signature.
As per information from our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis can reveal that Stoke City are keen on the 25-year-old, while Norwich have joined the race.
Although Darling has been offered a new deal by Swansea, he is expected to move on from the club this summer, with Norwich potentially emerging as frontrunners.
Why Norwich could hold the advantage in Darling pursuit
When Manning was the manager of MK Dons, Darling featured 47 times under the Englishman and scored an impressive 10 goals from centre-back.
The Norwich boss may look to reunite with him this summer, and as the Swansea ace has played under him previously, that could sway his decision.
Since joining Swansea from MK Dons in 2022, he’s established himself as a top Championship defender, and last season, he appeared 39 times and scored five goals alongside 13 clean sheets.
So, if Norwich can snap him up on a free, he’d be an excellent addition
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